5 things you need to know about Hypnotherapy

“You’re going to make me cluck like a chicken!”

There are many myths and misunderstandings about hypnosis and its use in clinical psychotherapy. Let’s clarify some common misconceptions:

1. Hypnosis is not “mystical.” It is a natural state that has been scientifically studied for over 100 years. It has been endorsed as a valid form of treatment by many professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, British Medical Association, and the British Psychological Society.

2. In hypnotherapy, you are always in control. No one can make you do anything against your will.

3. Contrary to images in popular culture, you are not asleep. You will always know what’s going on, and you will remember the session.

4. A hypnotist is not the same as a hypnotherapist. Hypnotists are not necessarily trained mental health professionals. Hypnotherapists are often therapists who have added the technique to their clinical practice.

5. Not all hypnotherapy is the same. Just like different kinds of therapy, there are different kinds of hypnotherapy. The type of hypnotherapy I have found most useful is called “Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy.”

What is Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy?
It is a deeper process than most forms of talk therapy because it accesses the subconscious mind.

Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy:
– Identifies and accesses the “higher self” or “wise adult” of the client.
– Goes straight to working with “trigger” issues.
– Uses an experiential process rather than a cognitive one.
– Helps to release emotions that remain “stuck” in the body.
– Connects self-sabotaging patterns of adult behavior to unconscious conclusions made in childhood so they can be healed and released.
– Finds and heals the inner child part that still carries hurt, pain, and judgment.
– Guides the client in gaining compassion for the part of themselves that came up with defenses that resulted in the adult pattern.

Some practitioners also incorporate shamanic practices such as soul retrieval, chakra work, energetic cleansing, cord cutting, or the removal of spirit attachments.

When might Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy be beneficial?
– When feeling stuck in therapy.
– When repeating patterns that you believe you know the origin of, but still can’t change.
– With mind-body issues, such as IBS, eating issues, and heart issues.
– To understand and release inner judgment, shame, guilt, anger, grief, jealousy, abandonment, or anxiety.

Hypnotherapy is not helpful for people seeking a “magic bullet.” The number of sessions needed to address concerns depends on the level and depth of the issue. Sometimes only a single session is required; sometimes many more. Sessions are typically 100 minutes. In my practice, hypnotherapy sessions can be scheduled weekly, monthly, and/or interspersed with sessions for processing and planning.

When considering hypnotherapy, it is important to speak with the therapist about their working process and what you can expect during each session.

For more resources, you can visit my webpage: https://starlasholl.com

Content provided by Women Belong member Starla Sholl